Teleporting in—welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!We’re wrapping up our ride through Series A of Blake 7, and boy, what a wild ride it’s been! From the dark themes in the first episode to some serious character growth, we’ve been on a journey that’s hooked both newbies and old-school fans alike. We’re very grateful for everyone who’s joined us on this trip, whether you’re rewatching or just tuning in for the first time.It’s clear that Adam and I are riding high on a wave of nostalgia and excitement in this episode. We reflect on how we got here, from the very first episode to the last, thanking everyone who’s tuned in along the way. It’s been a journey of rediscovery for me, especially since I’d previously struggled with the show. Now, I’m all in!We chat about our favorite episodes, with 'Seek Locate Destroy' stealing the spotlight for its thrilling narrative and incredible character development. The tension between Blake and Avon is palpable, and I can’t help but love how their dynamic evolves over time. Adam brings up how Travis and Servalan are a dream team of villainy, and we can’t wait to see how their stories unfold in Series B.We also take a moment to recognize the hard work behind the remastering of this classic series and give props to the amazing crew who made it happen and... speaking of those people, our next bonus episode is an interview with visual effects supervisor and model extraordinaire Chris Thompson! Tune in next week for a geeky chat about Chris's work on bringing new effects that fit into Blake's 7's unique, classic look and some other tidbits of his work on other shows. Thanks, Chris!We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky, we'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.
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1:37:45
A:13: Orac: A Race to Orac Plus THAT Cliffhanger Ending!
Teleporting in—welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!We’re wrapping up Series A of Blake 7 with a bang in this episode, and it’s all about the finale, “Orac.” Can you believe we made it here? It feels like we were getting our feet wet just yesterday in the wild universe of Blake's 7.This episode had it all: intrigue, suspense, and a touch of emotional depth. As Blake and his crew race against time to prevent Servalan and Travis from getting their hands on Orac, we delve into a narrative that balances action with character development. The tension builds as we witness Ensor's frailty and the crew's desperate attempts to save him, all while dodging Federation threats.The performances shine, especially Derek Farr's as Ensor, who brings a quirky yet poignant touch to the role. It’s a bittersweet finale that leaves us on the edge of our seats, pondering what’s next for our favorite space rogues. And that cliffhanger? Total game-changer! How can you not be itching to dive into Series B after that?We hope you enjoy our review of the episode Orac, and fear not, we're back next week to kick off some bonus episodes, starting with a wrap-up review of Series A. This will be followed by a couple of special interview episodes with people involved with the Blake's 7 blu ray box sets, so tune in next week to find out more!We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky, we'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.
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1:27:51
A:12: Deliverance: Space Pirates and Avon Goes God Mode (Sort Of)
Teleporting in—welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!We’re looking at the penultimate episode of Series A, and does it deliver?Avon gets a chance to strut his stuff as “Lord Avon,” and let’s just say, he doesn’t shy away from the spotlight—much to Villa's amusement. Meanwhile, Servalan and Travis are cooking up a devious plan to snag Orac, and the tension is palpable as they plot in the shadows.As we've often found with every episode so far, the performances are what make this series shine, even when the narrative feels a tad familiar.So, let’s get stuck into this important story that sets the stage for the series finale!We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky, we'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.
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1:25:53
A:11: Bounty: A Stubborn Sarkoff and Has Jenna Betrayed the Crew?
Teleporting in—welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!It’s a bittersweet moment because we’re almost at the finish line of Series A, and while we're looking forward to seeing how things wrap up, we're also a bit sad to see it go.Anyway, this week, we’re following Blake and Callie on a mission to rescue President Sarkoff, who’s been kept in a cosy little prison while chaos brews on his home planet of Lindor. But as always, things aren’t straightforward, as there's trouble with bounty hunters looking to cash in on the chaos and could Jenna betray the crew of the Liberator as a result?!We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky, we'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.
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1:07:00
A:10: Breakdown: Has Gan Reached his Limit?!
Teleporting in—welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!This week's episode centres on Gan, whose limiter malfunctions, putting him in a precarious situation that requires immediate neurosurgery. It’s a departure from the usual Federation versus Blake narrative, focusing instead on character dynamics and the tensions within the crew.We break down the performances, particularly Paul Darrow’s Avon (again!), who is as charmingly unpredictable as ever. While some might label this as a slower episode, we find plenty to love in the character moments and the underlying themes.We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky, we'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.
About Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7
Embark on an epic journey into the galaxy of Blake's 7 with Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7! This brand-new show pairs the perspectives of a devoted lifelong fan and a curious newcomer experiencing the series for the very first time. Together, they explore every episode of this iconic sci-fi classic, blending fresh impressions with seasoned insights.
Each week, your hosts—experienced podcasters Garry and Adam, the team behind the long-running acclaimed Doctor Who podcast The Big Blue Box Podcast—dive deep into episode reviews, share fascinating behind-the-scenes trivia, and unpack the stories that shaped Blake's 7. Whether revisiting the show or discovering it yourself, you’ll find a perfect balance of nostalgia and new perspectives.
From the rebellion’s most daring missions to the Federation’s darkest secrets, Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7 delivers lively discussion, in-depth analysis, and plenty of surprises. Tune in and join us as we explore this timeless adventure one story at a time.